CLOTH CAP
Trainer O’Neill has always had one eye on the Grand National for Cloth Cap. His chances have significantly improved on the back of his win last time out at Newbury in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase. Has been given a good weight but will need quick ground to increase his chances.
NO: 45 | FORM: 4328-31 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: J. O’Neill
BURROWS SAINT
Another class runner owned by the Ricci’s, Burrows Saint gave trainer Willie Mullins his first Irish Grand National win in 2019. Took a long break before returning this season, and just qualified for the 2021 Grand National when starting in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on Feb 27th, finishing in second place. The Gold Cup is also on the cards.
NO: 14 | FORM: 31-262 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: W. Mullins
TIGER ROLL
The two-time Grand National winner didn’t get the chance to defend his crown in April but he should be back for another shot in 2021. He briefly left the betting markets following a terrible run at Cheltenham and in his last run he finished last at Navan. However, connections are confident and he will go to Cheltenham first.
NO: 5 | FORM: 11/52-P | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 11-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
SECRET REPRIEVE
A win in the Welsh Grand National in January and Secret Reprieve got himself off to a great start in 2021. Despite only being 7-years-old, trainer Evan Williams said he would seriously consider the Grand National but also has one eye on Cheltenham.
NO: 66 | FORM: 22-F11 | AGE: 7 | WEIGHT: 10-01 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: E. Williams
SANTINI
Beaten by only a neck in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, losing to Al Boum Photo, Santini is a great chaser but I doubt he’ll be heading to Aintree for the 2021 Grand National. It could be the gold cup again.
NO: 3 | FORM: 12-253 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 11-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Henderson
KIMBERLITE CANDY
A very interesting 2021 Grand National prospect. Pulled up in the Irish Grand National 2019 but finished 2nd in the Becher Chase in both 2019 and 2020 so can definitely jump those tricky Aintree fences. Has also won over 3m5f so stamina and distance shouldn’t pose any issues.
NO: 24 | FORM: 5P/21-2 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: T. Lacey
ANY SECOND NOW
A Cheltenham winner in the Kim Muir over 3m2f in 2019, this season hasn’t been great with two ninth-place finishes over hurdles and getting pulled up last time out in the Goffs Thyestes at Gowran Park.
NO: 28 | FORM: 31-99P | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: T. Walsh
PRESENTING PERCY
Moved into the Grand National 2021 betting market when it was announced that the National is a possible aim for the chaser. Won the RSA Chase in 2018 before stepping up to the Gold Cup in 2019 and 2020, though he didn’t place in either. Has since been withdrawn from the Gold Cup 2021 due to recovering from a leg infection.
NO: 4 | FORM: 3F-418 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 11-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
BRISTOL DE MAI
An absolute legend of a horse, Bristol De Mai has notched up earnings of more than £800K during his career so far. He has also won or placed in 22 of his 28 chase runs. Even the heavier weight won’t slow him down.
NO: 1 | FORM: 229-12 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 11-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N Twiston-Davies
MAGIC OF LIGHT
Nearly spoiled the Tiger Roll party in 2019 but had to settle for second place. The only mare to run in the race, she was also trainer Jessica Harrington’s first entry and a delight for those that had backed her each way at staggering odds of 125/1. Was on back-to-back wins last season and still looks great.
NO: 15 | FORM: 118-412 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: J Harrington
LAKE VIEW LAD
Winner of the Many Clouds Chase in December, this could be Lake View Lad’s second shot at the National after he pulled up in 2019. Always popular as one of the few greys to run, can he continue his winning ways in April 2021?
NO: 12 | FORM: 533-15 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 11-00 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Alexander
EASYSLAND
Upset the Tiger Roll party at the Cheltenham Festival when he won the Glenfarclas Chase in fine style. A really superb long distance chaser that could seriously contend for the 2021 Grand National.
NO: 2 | FORM: 1111-4 | AGE: 7 | WEIGHT: 11-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: D. Cottin
THE STORYTELLER
Has been in great form since finishing second in the Pertemps Network Hurdle at Cheltenham last year. Has either won or come second in all seven of his last races including the win in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase in October.
NO: 6 | FORM: 121122 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 11-08 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
BATTLEOVERDOYEN
An interesting prospect but lacks the long distance chasing experience having only had one start at 3m. A decent record of four wins from eight starts and will definitely head to Cheltenham for one of the five races he is currently entered into.
NO: 8 | FORM: F4-146 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 11-05 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
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BELLSHILL
Sold by the Wylie’s and moved from Willie Mullins to trainer Sandy Thomson in October 2020, Bellshill is a horse that occasionally put in great performances including the Irish Gold Cup in 2019. Hasn’t won since and was in last place at Haydock in November.
NO: 22 | FORM: 4762-5 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: S. Thomson
LORD DU MESNIL
Very much a long distance chaser who was second at Cheltenham last year in the National Hunt Cup and also ran in the Welsh National, finishing in ninth place in Jan 2021. Won the Grand National Trial at Haydock in Feb, boosting his chances but may need the ground a bit on the softer side.
NO: 40 | FORM: 22-499 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: R. Hobson
ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS
Winner of the Bobbyjo Chase in both 2020 and 2021, Acapella Bourgeois has previously been entered into the National but has never run in it. In fact, he’s never run at Aintree. Will the 2021 Grand National be his first time?
NO: 16 | FORM: 61-251 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: W. Mullins
POTTERS CORNER
Winner of the Midlands Grand National in March and the Welsh Grand National in December 2019, Potters Corner has stamina in bucket loads. Will need rain and soft ground to bring out the best in him but on the upside, he did win the Virtual Grand National!
NO: 42 | FORM: P011-37 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: C Williams
CHRIS’S DREAM
Has notched up some notable wins including the Red Mills Chase and the Troytown Handicap Chase. Also ran in last year’s Gold Cup and finished second in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase last time out.
NO: 7 | FORM: P110-25 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 11-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: H. De Bromhead
SHATTERED LOVE
Ran in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last year to finish sixth. Has since come third at Punchestown and won a mare’s chase at Clonmel. Could also take her chances at Cheltenham first.
NO: 35 | FORM: 6-3102 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
BRAHMA BULL
Solid novice chaser over the shorter distances but this season has been a mixed bag. Unseated in the Savills Chase and pulled-up in the Goffs Thyestes Chase – though the going was Heavy and that may have played a part.
NO: 30 | FORM: 61-2UP | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: W. Mullins
ANIBALE FLY
Always does well around the Grand National fences. Was 4th in 2018 and fifth in 2019 despite being top weight. He was also second in the Gold Cup which he didn’t re-enter in 2020. Returned to racing this season in the BobbyJo Chase, ticking the box needed to qualify for the 2021 Grand National but finished last and odds dropped from 25/1 to 33/1.
NO: 17 | FORM: 9883- | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: AJ Martin
BALKO DES FLOS
Winner of the Ryanair Chase in 2018, that was also the last time he won a race. Has had four starts since October 2020 and has been well beaten in all of them.
NO: 29 | FORM: 4-4764 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: H. De Bromhead
AJAS
Once of just two French-trained entries for 2021, Ajas, like stablemate Easysland, is only seven years old. He has never run in the UK or beyond 3m 1/2f so the National would be a huge test.
NO: 13 | FORM: /21122 | AGE: 7 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: D. Cottin
LE BREUIL
Winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019 in the National Hunt Chase over 3m7f. It was also his first attempt at a race of 3m+ so to win it was quite an achievement. The problem is that the Handicapper gave him such a low weight that he started off at number 85 so making the cut will be very, very difficult.
NO: 85 | FORM: 0-4334 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 9-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: B. Pauling
MILAN NATIVE
Has only been chasing for one season but is already showing signs of being very impressive. Won the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival on his first start at more than three miles and won on his return this season at Galway. However, his last two runs have been disappointing so a good run at Cheltenham will be needed.
NO: 41 | FORM: 21-12P0 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
GLEN FORSA
Has won three of nine chase starts however, they were all as a novice and the last one was February 2019. Has only ever started one race at 2m7f and that was back in 2018. This distance of the Grand National will be a mammoth task for a horse that generally runs at 2m4f!
NO: 51 | FORM: P/3-F74 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: M. Channon
DEFINITLY RED
Was a hot favourite going into the 2017 Grand National but was pulled-up. Has taken on quite a few graded chases since then and was 4th in the Becher Chase in December 2019. Second place in the Peter Marsh Chase and a win at Kelso boosted his Grand National 2021 claims.
NO: 11 | FORM: 421-8F | AGE: 12 | WEIGHT: 11-01 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: B Ellison
FARCLAS
A runner with a lot of potential, Farclas bagged three back-to-back wins as a novice chaser and had a long break before moving up the ranks. Was 3rd over 3m in the Paddy Power Chase in December but that has been the longest distance so the Grand National will definitely be a challenge in stamina.
NO: 55 | FORM: 111-534 | AGE: 7 | WEIGHT: 10-03 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
OK CORRAL
Has been an excellent chaser in races up to 3 miles, including a 2nd place at Cheltenham and a win last time out in the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster. Good ground will suit him best as he’s a speedy horse who needs quick going.
NO: 32 | FORM: 1P/091- | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N Henderson
DOUBLE SHUFFLE
A win last time out finally gave connections something to cheer about as it had been more than 4 years since Double Shuffle had bagged a victory. However, I don’t think that the 2021 Grand National will be his next.
NO: 61 | FORM: 57-931 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-02 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: T. George
DEATH DUTY
With one eye on the 2021 Grand National, Death Duty tackled his first race beyond 3m in November. Running over 3m5f at Fairyhouse, he finished a respectable 6th but has yet to win a race since injury sidelined him for nearly 2 years back in 2018.
NO: 65 | FORM: 402-76 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-01 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
DISCORAMA
There was a lot of buzz around Discorama last season and with another year under his belt, he could be one to watch for the 2021 Grand National. He was third in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and if he keeps up his decent form then expect his odds to fall if he gets an entry. He may also head to the Welsh national first so watch this space.
NO: 39 | FORM: 833-25 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: P. Nolan
CLASS CONTI
Moved to trainer Willie Mullins in April 2019, having had a racing career in France until then. Has run five times for the new yard but hasn’t been seen since Jan 2020.
NO: 38 | FORM: 5F2-P03 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: W. Mullins
CANELO
There’s a lot to like about Canelo. Was a reasonably successful novice hurdler but has really come into his own as a chaser, stepping up in the classes and distances at a nice pace, culminating in a win in the Rowland Meyrick in November 2020. Has also never fallen, pulled up or unseated his jockey which bodes well for his jumping ability. The distance will be a test but could do well.
NO: 49 | FORM: -01214 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: A. King
AL ROC
With 41 chase starts under his belt, Al Roc is one of the most experienced potential runners entered for the 2021 Grand National. The vast majority have been in France before he was transferred to Dr. Richard Newland in January 2021. Has since run in the Portman Cup, finishing 5th of six runners.
NO: 27 | FORM: -86125 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: R. Newland
CAP DU NORD
An experienced chaser who consistently runs well but has never been tested beyond 3m but of all the horses entered, jockey Katie Walsh said she would pick Cap Du Nord to ride in the Grand National if given the choice so definitely one to watch!
NO: 69 | FORM: 16-4123 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 9-13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: C. Williams
YALA ENKI
Yala Enki is a fine horse that moved from trainer Venetia Williams to Paul Nicholls. Has had a few Grand National entries but has never actually run in it and instead ran in the Gold Cup last season, finishing in 7th place. Was third in the Welsh National and is usually partnered with Bryony Frost.
NO: 9 | FORM: -2F314 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 11-03 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: P. Nicholls
MISTER MALARKY
Won last time out at Ascot is a solid chaser who has notched up five wins from 14 starts over fences. Usually heads to the Cheltenham Festival and undoubtedly will go there again in March. Whether he runs in the 2021 Grand National is another matter entirely.
NO: 19 | FORM: P-6U17 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: C. Tizzard
ARTICULUM
Articulum is a frustrating horse that either places or bombs. Since October 2019 he has run nine times. Of those, he was either second or third in five of them but Fell, Unseated, or Pulled up in the other four.
NO: 33 | FORM: F2-32P | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: T. O’Brien
JETT
Isn’t having the greatest season so far. Pulled up last time out in the Savills Chase and was 8th in the Becher Chase in December though he did get around successfully and clearly can navigate the fences so that boosted the Grand National 2021 credentials.
NO: 34 | FORM: 4-P78P | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: J. Harrington
CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC
Is better known as a hurdler but began his chasing career last season and did well as a novice. Only time will tell if he can step up in class and distance so a lot depends on his prep before the National in 2021.
NO: 31 | FORM: 32/112- | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
VIEUX LION ROUGE
Winner of the 2020 Becher Chase, his second from five attempts and has run in the National a remarkable four times, finishing but not placing in all of them. Will the fifth time be the charm in the 2021 Grand National?
NO: 48 | FORM: 97-510 | AGE: 12 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: D. Pipe
THE JAM MAN
A very interesting Grand National 2021 contender. Has far more experience over hurdles and was 9th in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham last year. Is moving up through the chasing ranks and won the Troytown Handicap Chase in November.
NO: 37 | FORM: 9-P160 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: R. McNally
BALLYOPTIC
Ran in the 2019 National but unfortunately fell early in the race. Returned to Aintree for the Becher Chase in December 2019 and finished 11th, a long way off the winner. Improved at Ascot with a win and at 11-years old for the Grand National 2021, could do very well.
NO: 10 | FORM: 401-P06 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 11-01 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Twiston-Davies
PYM
Didn’t finish last season very well, pulling up twice on the bounce including at Cheltenham in the RSA Chase. Started back this season in better form, winning at Sandown but may struggle with the distance of the Grand National 2021.
NO: 25 | FORM: 1PP-15 | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Henderson
CABARET QUEEN
Winner of the Kerry National in September 2020 and looks likely to head to the inaugural Mares Chase at Cheltenham. Could put in a good run if on form on the day.
NO: 44 | FORM: -31238 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: W. Mullins
ALPHA DES OBEAUX
Ran in the 2018 Grand National but fell at The Chair on the first circuit. A few months later and he moved to Gordon Elliott’s yard and was entered again in 2019 but was withdrawn due to injury. He is not on great form this season and has finished last twice and pulled up in two others.
NO: 26 | FORM: -595PP | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
BEWARE THE BEAR
Winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in 2019, Beware The Bear could take his chances at the Grand National 2021 but only if the ground doesn’t try up prior to the race. Was 5th last time out in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase but a long way off the winner Cloth Cap.
NO: 23 | FORM: P/48-57 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Henderson
TOUT EST PERMIS
It’s been over two years since Tout Est Permis last saw the winners enclosure and this season hasn’t really produced any great runs either. He was well beaten in the Savills Chase (78L) and pulled up last time out in the Goffs Thyestes.
NO: 21 | FORM: -2359P | AGE: 8 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: G. Elliott
TALKISCHEAP
Pulled up in his last chase in Feb 2020 and has two runs since, both over the flat. That means no qualification for the 2021 Grand National yet. Needs to start in a chase this season and has been entered at Kempton so could still meet the criteria.
NO: 20 | FORM: 1/3P-3 | AGE: 9 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: A. King
TAKINGRISKS
Winner of the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January, Takingrisks also won the Scottish National in 2019 so definitely has what it takes to put in a good run.
NO: 36 | FORM: 65-P41 | AGE: 12 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: N. Richards
KAUTO RIKO
A handy chaser but over the shorter distances. Has never been tested beyond 2m7½f and hasn’t won a race since December 2018. The 2021 Grand National may be too much of an ask.
NO: 74 | FORM: 2520-4 | AGE: 10 | WEIGHT: 9-13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: T. Gretton
ASO
Has previously been entered but never actually run in the Grand National though he did run in the Becher Chase in December. However, he fell at the ninth so no guarantees he will head back to Aintree in April.
NO: 18 | FORM: 47-7F2 | AGE: 11 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | TRAINER: V. Williams
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Ratings Explained
We give each horse a rating based on how closely it matches the past trends and statistics of previous winners
Unlikely to mount a serious challenge.
Could place with a slice of luck.
A strong eachway chance and could even win it.
Odds listed on this page are taken from Paddy Power on 28/02/21. Check the odds with your Bookmaker before placing a bet as fluctuations can occur. Full Terms and Conditions for the promotional bet offers can be found on the respective websites – please read them before signing up.
Every year a maximum of 40 runners line up at the start of the Aintree Grand National and 600 million people worldwide tune in to watch them tackle the 30 notoriously difficult fences in a bid to put themselves into the history books. But how do those particular runners and riders make it to Grand National day?
A horse will be entered into the Grand National if it meets the minimum criteria for qualification and the owner and trainer feel that their horse is capable of handling the race. Not all horses are suited to the long Aintree course or have the necessary jumping ability. Even if a horse gets entered that doesn’t guarantee a place at the starting line as frequently over 100 get entered but there is a maximum field of just 40 for the race.
The race is open to horses aged seven and upwards that have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a chase of three miles or more and who are allotted a rating of at least 125 by the BHA Handicapper.
The entry date for the race is always at the end of January, with the names and numbers announced by the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) the following day.
Number Of Entries
- 2021 – 106
- 2020 – 105 (cancelled)
- 2019 – 112
- 2018 – 105
- 2017 – 110
- 2016 – 126
- 2015 – 98
The BHA Head Of Handicapping then takes the list of entries and frames the weights. In other words, he decides which runners will carry the heaviest weights and which will carry the least. The handicap system is designed to give every horse a fair chance of winning the race, good horses will carry more weight than those perceived to have less ability.
The maximum weight any horse can carry in the Grand National will be 11st 10lbs and the minimum is 10st. Each runner’s weight will be largely determined by their OR (Official Rating) and the higher the rating, the higher the weight. Although the Grand National is the only race in Britain in which the Handicapper can ignoring the official ratings if he wishes, often to the consternation of owners and trainers.
Horses are then put in descending order from the highest to the lowest weighted and that also determines their race number. The top-weighted horse is number one, second heaviest weighted horse is number two, and so on.
The weights are then announced, and from then on a series of ‘Declaration Stages’ or ‘Forfeit Stages’ take place. At each of these stages, potential Grand National Runners can be withdrawn from the proceedings by their trainers and as they are removed and the entries get whittled down so even horses that have not initially made the Top 40 may now do so as entries above them are taken out. In 2019 the top weighted horse was Bristol De Mai but he was then withdrawn leaving Anibale Fly to carry 11-10.
The very last declaration stage takes place at 10am on the Thursday immediately before Grand National day. This is the point where the top 40 Grand National runners will be near completion along with four additional reserves.
The following day, Friday, by 1pm any non-runners must be declared and be replaced by one of the four reserves. This is also the point where any horses who were previously allocated weights of less than 10st will have their weight increased to meet requirements.
Three runners were withdrawn at this stage in 2018 and replaced with reserves. However, on the morning of the National two more were taken out due to the heavy ground. This resulted in 38 declared Grand National runners who lined up.
In 2019, no runners were withdrawn at the very final stage and 40 runners ran. Unfortunately in 2020, the race was cancelled and did not go ahead.
Grand National 2021 Top Weight
There has to be a Top Weight for the Grand National and that runner will always carry 11st 10lbs. For 2021 there are THREE horses that have all been allocated top weight. They are Bristol de Mai, Easysland and Santini.
The BHA Handicapper has worked off a mark of 167 and it’s no surprise that these three potential runners have been rated so highly. This is Bristol De Mai‘s fourth consecutive Grand National entry. He was entered in 2018 and allocated 11-09 in weight but connections opted to run him in the Aintree Bowl instead.
The same story was repeated in 2019 when he was given top weight for the National but again, ran in the Bowl Chase instead. He was entered in 2020 but that race didn’t happen so here we are again in 2021. Will he finally run in the Grand National?
It looks much more likely this year especially as he has now been withdrawn from Gold Cup contention. Even his usual jockey, Daryl Jacob, has hinted that the plan is to go to the National.
Easysland is another huge prospect for the Grand National 2021. The horse that romped home in the Glenfarclas Chase in 2020, leaving Tiger Roll in his dust, was always going to be touted for this race.
Trained in France, Easysland is at a slight disadvantage in that he is only seven years old and horses that young have quite a poor track record in the National. The last one to win it was Bogskar in 1940. So top weight and age may prove tricky to overcome.
If he runs and does well at Cheltenham again then expect a lot of people to predict great things from him at Aintree.
Santini is a terrific chaser and best known for his 2020 Gold Cup run when he lost by a neck to Al Boum Photo. In all, he has won or placed in eight of his nine chase starts.
The nine-year-old has notched up notable runs in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham and was second in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree in December.
So while the prospect of him running the Grand National is very exciting, I still expect connections to opt for the Gold Cup again. He runs well at the course and the distance is a mile shorter which is more in his wheelhouse.
So unless all three top-weighted horses get withdrawn over the declaration stages, it’s unlikely that there will be a major overhaul in the weights.
Then again Bristol De Mai could go for the Aintree Bowl, Santini for the Gold Cup and Easysland could hold off for another year…anything can happen in the Grand National!
2021 Grand National Race Favourite
It should come as no surprise that on the back of winning two consecutive Grand Nationals, that Tiger Roll was the Grand National favourite.
He did experience a minor injury early in the season and missed a few of his prep races before heading to the Cheltenham Festival. Bidding for a fifth festival win and a third in the Glenfarclas Chase he went off as joint-favorite with Easysland. The victory was not to be and connections had to settle for second place.
That didn’t dent his odds for the National and he remained the favourite right up to the point when the race was ultimately cancelled in 2020.
Other notable entries that vied for favouritism included Any Second Now from trainer Ted Walsh and Burrows Saint from trainer Willie Mullins. Both gained momentum in the betting markets with odds as low as 12/1.
Grand National 2021 odds will continue to change as the weeks leading up to the race produce good runs from potential runners. As the list of entries gets whittled down, some will get withdrawn while others will boost their claims.
Who will eventually go off as the 2021 Grand National favourite remains to be seen.
The Jockeys
The criteria for professional or amateur jockeys wanting to take part in the race are very specific. They must have ridden not less than 15 winners in chases or hurdle races under the Rules of Racing and/or the Rules of the Irish National Hunt Committee and ridden not less than 10 of these winners in chases.
A champion jockey like A.P. McCoy who primarily rode horses for super owner J.P. McManus had his pick of horses in the race before he retired. Top jockey Barry Geraghty took over as the retained rider for McManus but announced his retirement in July 2020. Since then Mark Walsh has been named as the retained rider for the McManus horses in Ireland.
The likes of Davy Russell and Richard Johnson are other top jockeys who can often choose their rides and odds will tumble on any horses chosen by the pair.
Amateur jockeys are now a rarity in the Grand National compared with races early days. Sam Waley-Cohen is probably the most famous amateur rider in recent years and he enjoys a record over the Aintree fences which is the envy of many a professional.
Other jockeys will usually ride for the yards that retain them or a trainer will engage their services just for this race. In recent years a number of high profile jockeys have missed the race due to injuries picked up at the Cheltenham festival which is the last major National Hunt meeting before Aintree.
In 2018, Ruby Walsh suffered a leg fracture and Leighton Aspell suffered a neck injury that put them out of contention for the Grand National. Bryony Frost experienced the same fate in 2019 when an injury at Cheltenham ruled her out of the National.
Don’t be put off backing a less well-known jockey or even one who has never ridden the course before. In 2013 jockey Ryan Mania won the race at his first attempt. And David Mullins did the same thing on Rule The World in 2016!
In 2018 we saw a number of jockeys making their debut. They included James Bowen, Bryony Frost, Sam Coltherd, and Rachael Blackmore. Bryony Frost was the best finisher, getting Milansbar to fifth place.
In the Grand National 2019, Lizzie Kelly made her debut on Tea For Two.
What Are The Odds?
The odds quoted on any horse in the Grand National represent your potential returns if that horse should win. If a horse is quoted as 10/1 then the 10 figure is the amount you’ll get back from the bookie for a 1 unit stake. In other words, bet £1 and you’ll win £10 back. You’ll also get back the original £1 stake, making a total return of £11.
Who Decides The Odds?
The simple answer is the bookmakers. Initially, bookies will offer odds on all the horses running in the National and the bookmaker is aiming to show a profit on the race regardless of the outcome. In many ways the bookmaker doesn’t care who wins, because if he can get the maths right, he will always come out on top. Although this doesn’t always happen over one race.
In a perfect world the spread of bets on the race would guarantee the bookie a nice profit whoever wins. However, if punters keep placing bets on one horse, let us call this horse ‘Plucky Pete’, at a level disproportionate to other runners then the bookie has built up a potential liability. If ‘Plucky Pete’ wins the race the bookie will lose a fortune and they really don’t like losing! To stop this happening the bookmaker has a couple of options. They can offer bigger odds on other runners and simultaneously shorten the odds on ‘Plucky Pete’ in the hope of attracting bets away from the horse with the big liability and onto other runners. This is why you see the odds fluctuating right up until the off.
So the bookmaker sets the odds initially but the volume of money place on any runner will move the odds right up until the race starts.
What’s An Each Way Bet
The ‘Each Way’ bet works like this… Instead of betting on a horse to come 1st you can make a bet that your horse can finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (some bookmakers payout 5th & 6th places) The each way bet is really two bets in one, a £5 each way bet will cost you £10. You’re betting £5 that a horse wins and £5 that he will finish in one of the places.
Sounds like a good deal? And for the Grand National, it can make sense to back a horse each way over a straight win bet, but remember bookies aren’t registered charities. So to compensate for your increased chances of winning they reduce the quoted odds on the place part of the bet. If a horse comes home 1st you’ll still get the full quoted odds. However, should he only place, you’ll only get a quarter of the quoted odds (some bookmaker pay less than a quarter odds).
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